Renault Duster holds a special place in the Indian car market as it was the first model in the C-segment compact SUV space. It is no secret that Renault will be bringing back the Duster to India in the future. After breaking cover as the Dacia Duster in November last year, the third-gen Duster made its global debut with the Renault branding in February earlier this year.
The French carmaker discontinued the Duster last year after a long stretch of poor sales. However, Renault will bring back the Duster to the Indian market around Diwali 2025. Besides the 5-seater Duster, Renault will also introduce a new 7-seat SUV based on the same in the country.
Renault Bigster (7-seat Duster) teased: What to expect?
Both SUVs are based on the “Bigster” concept which was revealed in 2021 and most likely stands for an amalgam of “Big” and “Duster”. Now Dacia, the original proprietor and Renault’s Romania-based subsidiary, has teased the Bigster prototype on its social media platforms. The Dacia Bigster is slated to make its global debut later this month at the Paris Motor Show 2024.
From the previous images, Bigster no doubt looks larger than the Duster with an overall length of around 4,600mm as it will accommodate three rows of seats inside and will rival the likes of SUVs such as Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, and MG Hector Plus. For reference, the standard 5-seat Duster measures 4,343mm long.
The latest teaser image, although partially, confirms that most of the visual elements will be borrowed by its smaller sibling barring minor tweaks and a longer profile. Also there will be brand specific changes between the Dacia and the Renault such as logos, badging and grille. The teaser reveals Y-shaped LED taillamps, and the flat tailgate along with the rugged-looking roof rails.
Not only visual, the Bigster will also share some structural elements with the Duster such as the CMF-B platform, some body panels, seats, dashboard, and steering wheel. Other visible highlights include a roof mounted spoiler, blacked-out B and C pillars, and a distinctive rear quarter glass.
Renault Duster: Expected powertrain, launch
Internationally, the Duster comes with multiple powertrain options, some of which will be offered in the seven-seat Bigster. These include a 1.2-litre turbo petrol or a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine options. Like Duster, Bigster will also be offered with either a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive setup, depending on the market. Both models will benefit from terrain modes including Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, off-road, and Eco.
While the Renault Duster is expected to hit the market around Diwali next year, its seven-seat sibling will most probably land in India by early 2026. Moreover, both SUVs will have Nissan derivatives as well since the models have been developed as part of an international alliance between the two companies.